The Danger of Honey for Babies Below One Year

Honey is one type of ?natural medicine? which usefulness has been proved. One of the benefits of honey? in children is to increase endurance. However, medically, the provision of honey is not recommended for infants below one year old.

Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that can cause botulism disease in infant. Although the case is rare, the disease can have serious repercussions.

Warnings about the dangers of honey for babies are also delivered by experts from The Food Standards Agency, UK, after the occurrence of three cases of botulism disease last year. Earlier in the period of 30 years, there were only 11 reports of botulism disease.

Infant?s digestive system is not perfect, Clostridium botulinum bacteria can grow and produce a deadly toxin that causes botulism.

Babies who suffer from botulism will experience muscle weakness and respiratory problems. Therefore, mothers are advised not to give honey, even as medicine or food sweetener.

?Babies younger than six months should be given only breast milk. Although honey are able to heal a cough, you should not give to babies because botulism is a serious disease. The risk is not worth the benefit,? said Sam Montel, nutritionist from the Food Standards Agency.

When a baby is introduced with solid foods, parents are advised to avoid sweetener in the food or provide sweet food and drinks.